Higher English

Course Outline
Two units assessed by NABs
Language unit assessed by Close Reading NAB Literature assessed by Textual Analysis NAB and critical essays produced in class.

One folio two pieces

Creative / personal Discursive

Unit 1: Language
In this unit you will be developing your skills in close reading. Your NAB will take place under exam conditions in class time usually on a Monday.

Close Reading
There will be two non-fiction passages and questions worth 50 marks. You will be tested on: understanding, analysis and evaluation.

Unit 2: Literature
Literature is a large part of the course and you must be prepared to read, study and write about it. You will study various literary texts: poetry, play, novel, short story, film. You will learn to write critical essays. You will sit a textual analysis NAB.

Critical Essays
Critical Essays are quite like the reading pieces that you did for your folio, but again, on a much higher level. Your teacher will teach you how to write these, but eventually you will have to plan, structure and write essays that demonstrate: relevance, understanding, analysis, evaluation and expression.

Textual Analysis
Textual Analysis involves answering written questions about a piece of literature that you have not seen before. You will have to demonstrate understanding, analysis and evaluation. You will sit a NAB that you must pass.

Folio
It gets sent to the SQA for grading. It makes up 20% of your final grade.

You will produce at least two pieces of writing over the year. One must be either personal or creative.

The other must be discursive (e.g. a report, an argumentative essay or a persuasive essay),

Exams
The Higher Exam is divided into two papers. Paper 1: close reading: is one and a half hours long and worth 50 marks. Paper 2: critical essay: is one and a half hours long, you have to write two critical essays, and is worth 50 marks.

What is expected of you?

You are expected to be responsible for your own learning.
That means YOU are responsible for looking after your work. You will be issued with two jotters (green for literature; red for language skills) and two folders. This will allow you to organise your notes far more effectively.

Read as much as you can to develop your skills of interpretation.

What is expected of you?

Take the course seriously. No one can coast their way through Higher. It takes a great deal of dedication. Attend. Absences make it very difficult to catch up. Little exception will be made for poor attendance. Complete all course work and homework by the deadlines.